Former US President Donald Trump reportedly spent over £100 million of taxpayer money on trips to his own golf properties during his time in office, a new report has revealed.
The investigation, conducted by a government watchdog, found that Trump made 400 visits to his golf courses, with each trip costing an estimated £250,000 in security, transport, and staffing expenses.
Taxpayer-Funded Leisure?
Critics argue that these frequent golf outings were not just recreational but also served as a way for Trump to promote his private business interests at public expense. Many of these properties, including Trump Turnberry in Scotland and Mar-a-Lago in Florida, saw increased visibility—and potential revenue—due to presidential visits.
Defenders Push Back
Supporters of the former president claim that the costs were justified, citing the need for security regardless of location. They also point out that previous presidents, including Barack Obama, also enjoyed golfing during their terms.
However, the scale of Trump’s spending far exceeds that of his predecessors, raising ethical concerns about the blurring of personal and presidential interests.
Political Fallout
The revelations come as Trump prepares for another potential White House run in 2024. Opponents are likely to use the findings to question his fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Meanwhile, transparency advocates are calling for stricter rules on how presidents use taxpayer funds for personal travel.
